Late last month, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Keurig Green Mountain agreed a merger - in effect an acquisition of the former by the latter - to create Keurig Dr Pepper. Our regular soft drinks commentator, Richard Corbett casts his expert eye over the development.

Throughout January, just-drinks' regular category commentators will give us their take on how 2018 is shaping up for their specialist subject. First up, soft drinks expert Richard Corbett considers the year ahead.

Hot on the heels of the start of Coke Life's demise, The Coca-Cola Co has lined up a stevia-only version. But, how can the company ensure success this time around? Category commentator Richard Corbett has some suggestions.

It's coming up to a year since the UK shocked itself - and Europe - by voting to leave the European Union. Article 50 has now been triggered and Brexit, we have been told, means Brexit. Richard Corbett considers the likely fallout of the UK's departure for the country's soft drinks industry.

While the term craft continues to dominate many areas of the drinks industry, the soft drinks category appears to be immune to the concept. Richard Corbett considers the opportunity, and looks at those who come closest to donning the craft mantle.